Designed by Bertrand
Goldberg in 1939, this small-scale building is an early example of the
architect’s work. Commissioned by Dr. Aaron Heimbach, the house featured
both residential living space and an office for the owner’s medical
practice. After Dr. Heimbach’s death in 1980, subsequent owners made
numerous changes to Goldberg’s design. The current owners purchased
the home in 1997 and, in 2004, they embarked on a four-year, multi-phase
restoration effort. Work included tuckpointing and masonry replacement,
reconstruction of the second floor terrace, reglazing of over 90 windows,
and a full upgrade of the house’s heating and electrical systems, which
required tearing out and repouring the concrete slab throughout the entire
first floor. The awards jury praised the owners, saying “the extent of the
work and the visibility of this house make it a model for Blue Island
preservation.” The Heimbach house is one of only six surviving residential
designs by Goldberg, and is now protected by local landmark status.